Kamala Gavai, the respected mother of India’s Chief Justice Bhushan Gavai, has declared her decision not to attend the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) centenary event scheduled for October 5th in Amravati, Maharashtra. The 84-year-old matriarch, who was invited as a chief guest, stated her refusal in an open letter, citing the significant public controversy, accusations, and negative publicity that arose following the news of her invitation.
Gavai explained that while she holds goodwill for all and welcomes invitations, the public reaction to her potential attendance has been overwhelmingly critical. This criticism extended not just to her but also to her late husband, Dadasaheb Gavai, who served as the former Governor of Bihar.
In her letter, she emphasized their unwavering commitment to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s ideology throughout their lives. Dadasaheb Gavai, she noted, dedicated his life to the Ambedkarite movement. She recalled her husband’s practice of deliberately attending events hosted by organizations with differing ideologies to bravely articulate the concerns and principles of the deprived classes. He participated in RSS programs but consistently maintained his distinct identity, never embracing their Hindutva ideology.
Kamala Gavai asserted that had she attended the October 5th RSS function, her intention was to use the platform to present and uphold the Ambedkarite philosophy. However, the relentless barrage of accusations and attempts to discredit her and her late husband “because of one program” deeply saddened her. To put an end to this negative campaign, she ultimately decided against attending the Sangh’s event.
She also mentioned that she has been ailing and undergoing medical treatment.